Professor Alain Puisieux, Jane Fonda – All photos Lieba Nesis

“One never notices what has been done: one can only see what remains to be done,” said Polish-born physicist and chemist Marie Curie whose Legacy Gala took place Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, at the Rainbow Room at 30 Rockefeller Plaza with cocktails beginning at 6:30 PM.

Close to two hundred guests joined to help raise money for the Marie Curie Legacy Initiative which includes a $15 million Chemical Biology of Cancer Research Center located in the heart of Paris of which $13 million has been collected.

Guy Martin

Attempting to get a photo with icon and multiple time cancer survivor Jane Fonda was equally challenging as excited guests surrounded the 86-year-old legend. Unlike Fonda who was effectively treated, Curie died in 1934 at the age of 66 of aplastic anemia due to chemical exposure in the course of her pioneering research leading to the groundbreaking discovery of polonium and radium.

Rainbow Room

As the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win it in two different scientific fields, physics and chemistry, Curie’s indelible mark can be felt on nearly every street and park in France bearing her name.

Sana Sabbagh

During World War I Curie developed mobile radiography units to provide X-ray services in field hospitals and was the first woman to become a professor at the University of Paris. Fonda has similarly won two coveted awards called the Oscars in acting and continues to pave the way in climate activism and human rights while forging ahead with her career- completing four movies in the last year alone.

Cyril Karaoglan & Christine Schwarzman

Additional pioneering female dinner attendees included designer Tory Burch and husband Pierre-Yves Roussel, Broadway producer Christine Schwarzman and Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal. These accomplished ladies were deep in conversation with legendary author Walter Isaacson whose rarefied appearance had the audience gasping with delight.

Dr. Robert Montgomery

The $1,500 per ticket cost was well worth the fact-filled evening as illustrious cancer researchers Steven Le Gouill, and Alain Puisieux discussed some of the exciting therapies on the horizon. Chief Medical Correspondent for CBS News, Jon LaPook, emceed the evening with a combination of vast medical knowledge and a hint of show biz pizzazz informing the guests of some groundbreaking remedies that can be used across multiple cancers.

Tory Burch & husband Pierre Yves Roussel

The evening featured the normally publicity shy Pierre Yves Roussel, the husband and CEO of Tory Burch, who heroically detailed his 11 year old son’s battle with brain cancer seven years ago. He credited the Curie Hospital for saving his son’s life by making proton therapy available after completing two emergency brain surgeries.

Patricia and Roger Silverstein

As the first time Yves has told his heartbreaking story in public the decision was made to help parents facing the same tragic predicament. Raising money for this cutting edge research is more pivotal than ever as auctioneer Rachel Orkin Ramey goaded the audience into purchasing two Chateau Margaux magnums for $10,000, and a premium trip to Paris for $8,000 which includes a dinner at three star Michelin chef Guy Martin’s Le Grand Vefour.

Anne Li, Susan Gutfreund & Peter Thomas Roth

The highlight of the evening, aside from the spectacular dessert, was Jane Fonda’s tearful and emphatic concluding speech, in which she detailed her own battle with breast cancer and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma attributing it to the “toxic soup of chemicals we live in.”

Cathy & Walter Issacson

Fonda inquired as to why 40 percent of the population has cancer, attributing it to the climate crisis with “a lot of folks getting rich by giving us cancer.” The indefatigable Fonda joked she will imminently be visiting France’s Institute Curie, as she was jealous of Angelina Jolie’s comprehensive 2019 tour.

Jean Shafiroff & Jane Fonda

As Fonda gets ready to receive the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award in February it seems likely a Jane Fonda Legacy Gala might be somewhere on the horizon.

Latest Comments:

1. 

   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

The post Marie Curie Legacy Gala 2024 Honors Jane Fonda appeared first on lookonline.

All photos Lieba Nesis

Louis Vuitton exceeded all expectations with the opening of its 5-floor store, the largest outpost in America, on 6 East 57th Street from 7 to 10 PM on Thursday, November 14th, 2024. It’s hard to comprehend that this masterpiece on Billionaire’s Row near 5th Avenue is only a temporary pop-up for no more than 3 years while the real deal across the street gets renovated for a permanent flagship.

The five-floor store atrium with Vuitton trunks

When Vuitton announced in early 2024 it was demolishing and rebuilding its 20-story glass sheathed building on the corner of Fifth and 57th the fashion world gasped – what would Upper East Siders do without a Vuitton at its fingertips? Remember when pop-ups were more akin to tentlike structures with dubious durability and bargain basement renovations.

Is Bernard Arnault, owner of conglomerate LVMH with a net worth of $157 billion, raking in so much money from the brand that even a makeshift edifice is worthy of 36,000 square feet and tens of millions of dollars?

Lisa Chambers and stylist to the stars Nolan Meader in a graffiti inspired room

A museumlike shrine to Louis Vuitton (LV), the store contains pictures of various LV stores strewn throughout along with coveted bags in each elevator lobby including ones made with artists Richard Prince (2008), Yayoi Kusama (2003), Takashi Murakami (2003), Stephen Sprouse (2001), and Supreme (2017).

Worker displaying the famed $375 Vivienne Mascot at the chocolate shop.

The space which formerly housed another Arnault pop-up of Tiffany’s and before that of Niketown contains leather goods on the first floor; and women’s and menswear on the second and third. The fourth floor houses the first chocolate shop and cafe in the United States while the fifth contains private retail lounge spaces and the homeware collections.

The library-themed 4th floor restaurant

If you want a reservation at the library-themed cafe which houses over 650 Ian Luna curated books and is helmed by renowned chefs Christophe Ballanca and Mary George a two month wait might be worth artful dishes such as truffle ravioli, damier tartlets and croque sandwiches – all playfully embedded with the Vuitton logo inside. I sampled the mouthwatering truffles while Vuitton’s artfully designed $375 chocolate Vivienne mascot was a bit too pricey for my candy budget.

Actors Ana de Armas, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Connelly.

This store is the single greatest commercial for Vuitton as nearly every inch reminds you of the label – including the atrium entrance, which houses 90 towering Courrier Lozine trunk sculptures in four vertiginous stacks developed with international architect Shohei Shigematsu.

Mother and daughter authors Flora and Amy Fine Collins.

CEO Pietro Beccari whose famous refrain is “don’t think big think huge” said he was optimistic as the brand always does “good business post-election”. Hopeful that Donald Trump’s promise of a “golden era” would translate into its revenues in the US, Beccari said America was a pivotal cog in the Vuitton machine since 1898 when it first entered the US market. More than a century later Vuitton boasts 105 stores in the US of which 77 are freestanding.

Jackson and Tonya Lee, Spike Lee’s son and wife.

This store is double the flagship on 5th Avenue and will allow “Very Important Clients’ now referred to as “VIC’s” by CEO Beccari to get whatever they want whenever they want – something that was an impossibility at the former store. There is even a secret fifth floor room for Vuitton’s high jewelry and haute horlogerie collections.

Alexander Hankin

The permanent flagship with Vuitton’s offices is currently being reimagined by renowned architect Peter Marino who oversaw the 2014 renovation and arrived this evening with a team of ten who were there to observe and mingle.

Martha Stewart

Other luminaries gracing the evening included the inimitable actor Bradley Cooper, Ana de Armas, Jennifer Connelly, Cynthia Erivo, Martha Stewart and hundreds of other models, influencers and clients.

Home Furnishings

There were lite bites, drinks and dozens of photographers and movie cameras ready to film the highly anticipated evening. Despite the evening’s exorbitant cost I was surprised there was no scheduled entertainer aside from a couple of lesser known DJ’s.

Actress Nina Dobrev at a Vuitton phone booth.

As hundreds came streaming through there were no pivotal moments such as a speaker detailing the highlights of the store or a singer wowing the masses. Furthermore Creative Directors Nicolas Ghesquiere (women’s) and Pharrell Williams (men’s) along with the Arnault’s seemed to be missing in action – did they skip out on this momentous night?

In October shares of LVMH dropped as it reported three percent weaker sales in the last quarter due to a drop in Chinese shoppers. As a bellweather for the luxury industry LVMH’s decline sent shudders throughout the high-end sector. Despite setbacks, openings like these indicate big players are spending big money in the “Big Apple.”

Latest Comments:

1. 

   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

6. 

   Hi, I am looking to relaunch my website, with an interactive plateform. Can you recommend someone with the creative and…

7. 

   This is all very sad considering what Klein and Schwartz built and what Costa did to advance the history of…

The post Louis Vuitton Spends Big On Fifth Avenue Pop-Up appeared first on lookonline.

Denise Rich, Lorraine Schwartz, all photos by Lieba Nesis

On Monday, October 28, The Angel Ball honored Grace Cayre at Cipriani Wall Street with cocktails beginning at 6:30 PM. The black-tie affair gathered over 600 attendees from all over the globe at $2,000 a ticket.

Denise Rich started Gabrielle’s Foundation after her daughter Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who graduated with honors from Oxford University as a champion skier fluent in five languages, was diagnosed with advanced-stage Hodgkin’s disease at the age of 23.

Four years later, in the fall of 1996, Gabrielle succumbed to the disease after a relentless battle. Her husband, Marc Rich, urged Denise to transform her pain into a purposeful mission.

Gail Chehebar, Grace & Trina Cayre

Since its inception 28 years ago, the foundation has raised an impressive $43 million for blood cancer research. Today, with over 15 treatments available, the once -dreaded blood cancer is no longer a death sentence, thanks to the relentless pursuit of a cure.

Dennis Basso, Barry & Fran Weissler, Clive Davis

The evening was glamorous, lugubrious, and joyful, stirring emotions throughout the enchanting evening. The lavish pink floral decor and pink tablecloths and napkins were Barbie-inspired as guests posed for pictures on the lengthy red carpet.

Jean Shafiroff

Hearing from Jace Yawnick, a 25-year-old diagnosed with primary mediastinal B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in January, requiring 96 hours of chemo straight regularly, was heart-wrenching. His father recently wrote up a will for his ailing only child as Jace’s optimism and gratitude were both infectious and agonizing for a young adult who should have to endure his pain. Attendees were inspired by his journey. $70,000 was raised for Lorraine Schwartz earrings, while an Enrique Cabrera sculpture cost $300,000.

Ellen von Unwerth & Dr. Norman Rowe

The luminous crowd included: Clive Davis, Fran Weissler, Nikki Haskell, Lorraine Schwartz, Simon Huck, Ofira Sandberg, Jean Shafiroff, Dr. Norman and Mia Rowe, Ubah Hassan, Star Jones, Ramona Singer, Countess de Lesseps, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Nicole Salmasi, Michelle Sacks Walker, Joy Corrigan, Frida Aasen, Scott Lipps, Dr. Charles and Anna Pierce, Ellen von Unwerth, Dennis Basso, Charlie Walk, Margaret Josephs, Elizabeth Segerstrom, Ramona Singer, Louise Kornfeld, Liz Brewer, Michelle Herbert, Brandon Pena, Jordan Ross, Silvia Frieser, Trina, Michael, Shirley, and Joe Cayre, Nurit Kahane, Keino Aikawa, Keino Ono Aoki and Norah Lawlor.

Norah Lawlor & Mia Rowe

Sitting near publicity guru Norah Lawlor, who ran many Hamptons events this summer and continues her dominance in Palm Beach and Manhattan, was enlightening. Many of her clients came over to talk shop; as everyone knows, Norah never stops working. She even reminisced about Michael Jackson’s appearance at the first Angel Ball 26 years ago—those were the days.

Model Frida Aasen

The night was also about Midtown Equities owners, the Cayre family, who donate time and money to dozens of charitable causes. The Cayre family is the proprietors of the highly successful Casa Cipriani, and they are set to open a new club, Chez Margaux, this Saturday evening.

Grace Cayre

Grace Cayre, daughter of scion Joe, was lauded by Denise for visiting and advocating for cancer patients as a supporter of Sloan Kettering, Ronald McDonald House, and the Morris Franco Cancer Center for the past 20 years. Grace, in the new “it” color black, spoke movingly of the friends she lost to cancer and how time is the only thing we have on our side.

Sergio Orozco, Keino Aikawa, Keno ono Aoki

On that note, the main course of sirloin was finally served at 9:30 PM as guests enjoyed the performances of Adrienne Warren and Luke K. The finale peaked with the tunes of Busta Rhymes, who got the audience going with “I Know What You Want” and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See.”

As attendees exited the venue, they were given a bag loaded with lotions, vitamins, and socks, necessities for life in the bustling and gritty Big Apple.

Latest Comments:

1. 

   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

6. 

   Hi, I am looking to relaunch my website, with an interactive plateform. Can you recommend someone with the creative and…

7. 

   This is all very sad considering what Klein and Schwartz built and what Costa did to advance the history of…

The post Angel Ball 2024 Honors Grace Cayre at Cipriani Wall Street appeared first on lookonline.

All photos by Lieba Nesis

The Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education held its annual fiesta on Monday, October 21, 2024, at The Plaza Hotel with cocktails beginning at 7:30 PM. Honorees Wes Gordon, Creative Director at Carolina Herrera, along with James Borynack, Adolfo Zaralegui, and Lucy Doughty, set the stakes high as ladies in their best and brightest came out to impress and pay homage to the youthful 36-year-old Gordon.

Fern Mallis

Casita is a beacon of hope for the Hispanic community. Its state-of-the-art facility in the Bronx serves over 15,000 youth, family, and community members of the South Bronx and East Harlem communities every year, allowing them to present musical, dance, and theater performances and feature art exhibitions and installations.

Felix Urrutia, Jackie Weld Drake, Adolfo Zaralegui, Lucy Doughty, Prince Dimitri, Wes Gordon

Founded in 1934 in East Harlem by sisters Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan, who provided nutrition, housing, childcare, and educational support to the struggling Latino community, the foundation has since expanded. In 2009, it inaugurated a 90,000-square-foot six-story educational and cultural facility in collaboration with the Department of Education, which has allowed Casita children to flourish.

Jean Shafiroff

This dinner is one of my favorites due to the magnificent venue, the lavish black-tie attire, the Bob Hardwick-sound music, the spirited dancing, and the under-two-minute speeches of honorees. Much of the Center’s success can be attributed to “Living Legend Award” recipient Jackie Weld Drake, who spends the entirety of the year raising funds and awareness for the pivotal organization.

Elizabeth Steimberg, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Janna Bullock

Jackie received a lengthy standing ovation, at which time the biographer, novelist, and Park Avenue socialite gave a one-and-a-half-minute speech thanking all those who came to support her for this historic evening—as fellow chairman Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia looked on with adoration.

Wes Gordon

A similarly brief Wes Gordon, noted the importance of art as he dedicated his award to his husband Paul Arnhold whom he remarked “he couldn’t do anything without”. Wes was raised in Atlanta, and attended the Saint Martins College of Arts and Design in London, before starting his eponymous line upon graduation in 2009.

Muffie Potter Aston, Sharon Loeb

In 2018, Wes became the Creative Director of Carolina Herrera, in charge of ready-to-wear, fragrance, beauty, and eyewear; his rise in the uncompromisingly fickle fashion world has been exceptional.

Lucia Hwong Gordon, Lucy Doughty, Yulay Volquez

Tonight’s event was more elegant, exciting, and crowded than any year prior. However, a couple of surprising no-shows included designer Carolina Herrera, who often attends, and the legendary artist Tony Bechara, who hadn’t missed a Casita fiesta in 26 years prior to this year.

Ken and Maria Fishel, Sharon Bush, Bob Murray

At $1,500 a ticket, this evening, which included delightful dancing, delectable food, and the Plaza venue, was one of the bargains of the social circuit. Guests enjoyed the chicken dinner along with indulgent chocolate mousse.

At 11 PM, the crowd began exiting into the balmy, 80-degree New York environs after having experienced one of those magical evenings that could only occur in the Big Apple.

Latest Comments:

1. 

   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

6. 

   Hi, I am looking to relaunch my website, with an interactive plateform. Can you recommend someone with the creative and…

7. 

   This is all very sad considering what Klein and Schwartz built and what Costa did to advance the history of…

8. 

   A collection of Random Disasters that disgraces what was Calvin Klein !

The post Casita María Celebrates 90th Anniversary At Plaza Hotel Fiesta appeared first on lookonline.

Giorgio Armani – photo by GiorgioArmani Instagram

At the age of 90, after 50 years of nonstop work creating one of the premier design labels in the world, a break might be warranted—unless your name was Giorgio Armani, the owner of the Milan-based luxury fashion house that manufactures, distributes, and retails haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods, shoes, accessories, and home interiors.

The third biggest fashion group behind Gucci and Prada, Armani and his little-known founder, Sergio Galeotti, who died of a heart attack in 1985, have shown no signs of slowing down, indicative of his four-day takeover of Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Beginning on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, Armani hosted the opening of his 760 Madison Avenue boutique and a private dinner for some of his coveted clients.

Giorgio Armani & models – photo by GiorgioArmani Instagram

The 760 Madison Avenue boutique, a 1930s architecturally inspired edifice, was celebrated with no expense spared. This collaboration with SL Green Realty and COOKFOX Architects spans 9,000 Square Meters and 97,200 square feet over 12 floors. It houses residences, Giorgio Armani and Armani Casa boutiques, and the Armani ristorante, a testament to Armani’s diverse influence in the fashion and lifestyle industries.

The ten customizable sold-out residences, which sell for $168.2 million, occupy floors four to twelve and feature communal spaces, over 10-foot ceiling heights, and environmentally friendly outfitting. If you hope to grab a sold-out apartment or a meal, good luck—the restaurant is booked for the next seven months.

Runway – photo by “beautiful Valentina” Instagram

Giorgio chose to celebrate his 50-year-old eponymous label in New York as an ode to its “fast-paced modern spirit,” a place that has left an indelible impression since his first trip there in the 1970s to receive the Neiman Marcus Award.

America constitutes 21 percent of company sales, which amounted to $2.7 billion last year. The 90-year-old dynamo is one of those designers in the category of the late Gianni Versace and Oscar de la Renta, whose fame transcends his label, and so many of his high-spending clients flew in to rub elbows with the iconic genius as he reached his later years.

Vidwath Kashyap, Linda Fargo, Sarbani Maitra – photo Lieba Nesis

Before his highly anticipated show on Thursday, October 17th, at the Park Avenue Armory, Giorgio made a stop at Bergdorf’s to launch his New York collection, which revisits the 1980s era of power suiting, and sign copies of his book Per Amore. The fashion world was buzzing with excitement for what was to come.

Jordan Roth – photo by Lieba Nesis

As the first retailer to install an in-store Armani boutique in 1980, thanks to the fashion director Dawn Mello, Armani’s vast history with Bergdorf’s is reflected on the fourth floor, where an expansive Armani boutique awaits.

Runway – photo by “beautiful Valentina” Instagram

As Armani made his way back to the main event at the Park Avenue Armory, he could be seen backstage making last-minute alterations to the Women’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection taking place in the historic 19th-century building.

Runway – photo by Lieba Nesis

The 650 fashion show attendees were instructed to wear black ties, setting the tone for the once-in-a-decade event. The last of these took place at the ‘One Night Only’ event in October 2013, and before that, in 2004, when the $1 million price tag seemed exorbitant, further highlighting the exclusivity of the event.

Runway – photo by “beautiful Valentina” Instagram

The invitation read: show 7-9 PM, leading luminaries such as Anna Wintour, Pamela Anderson, Amanda Seyfried, Georgina Bloomberg, Orlando Bloom, Liev Schreiber, Carmelo Anthony, Brie Larson, Christine Schwarzman, Huma Abedin, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Zachary Quinto, Jordan Roth, Rebecca Vanyo, Prabal Gurung, and Daniel Lee to arrive more than an hour early. The anticipation was palpable as the collection was set to begin at 8:30 PM.

The habitually punctual Wintour had a rare full hour of free time, during which she happily fraternized with her son-in-law, Francesco Carrozzini, as cocktails and lite bites were served. At 8 PM, a projection of steam trains implored guests to take their assigned seats in the jazz club-inspired adjacent room, as a lavish collection of 90 designs to celebrate Armani’s 90th birthday was about to begin.

The “In Viaggio” (On a Journey) line celebrated luxurious travel ware as models in cropped trench coats and trousers tucked into high leather boots appeared in loosely tailored attire in soft palettes of gray, slate, charcoal, and beige. Camel and sand gave way to evening wear in luxurious blues and pinks.

Runway – photo by Lieba Nesis

While the show was billed as a women’s collection, there was a delightful surprise as men unexpectedly appeared in many of the ensembles, adding an intriguing twist to the show. They traipsed down the runway in effortlessly fitted attire, with cheeky touches such as a porter carrying two suitcases and a model carrying a dog matching her tan ensemble.

Despite a PETA protestor taken down by photographer Kevin Mazur after storming the runway with a sign reading “Armani ban wild animal skins,” the show went off without a hitch as signature Armani designs were showcased for the full 13 minutes.

While hats, belts, and bags were used generously, other accessories such as heavy jewelry or excess makeup were spared – this collection was meant to exude quiet luxury, not grandiose consumerism.

Runway – photo by lieba Nesis

Last-minute no-shows, Julia Roberts and Leonardo DiCaprio, were canceled due to filming obligations. The elegant crowd looked straight out of “La Dolce Vita.” Armani’s recent revelation that he would be retiring within the next two to three years left the crowd disappointed at his decision to forego his much-ballyhooed strut down the lengthy runway.

His understandable exhaustion kept him stationary under the spotlight as the audience clapped with approval. His undeniably triumphant return to New York included a separate afterparty featuring the legendary Chaka Khan and DJ James Blake.

After party at the Carlyle – photo by Lieba Nesis

For the hundreds of guests who arrived from Japan, Brazil, Italy, Texas, California, and China, the all-expense-paid trip included a stay at The Mark and Carlyle Hotel and a jam-packed four days as an after-after party at the Carlyle was underway.

Hordes of guests lined up as an overcrowded Bemelman’s Bar was forced to close its doors, with Orlando Bloom and other show participants enjoying Armani’s favorite cocktails until the wee hours of the morning.

Friday, October 18th, was another Armani day. Couture clients held private appointments with Armani beginning at 11 AM, and a lavish lunch was served. This historic extravaganza was Armani’s final farewell to New York, as he handed the reins to an unknown successor who would have impossible shoes to fill—preferably Armani.

Latest Comments:

1. 

   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

6. 

   Hi, I am looking to relaunch my website, with an interactive plateform. Can you recommend someone with the creative and…

7. 

   This is all very sad considering what Klein and Schwartz built and what Costa did to advance the history of…

8. 

   A collection of Random Disasters that disgraces what was Calvin Klein !

9. 

   as always, Marilyn is right on time ….. terrific piece ….. and thank you for the inspiring photos of deRibes,…

10. 

    Our comments section is back online again! We would love to hear from you.

The post Giorgio Armani’s 2024 “One Night Only” New York Extravaganza appeared first on lookonline.

The Dinner, photo by Lieba Nesis

George Balanchine famously remarked, “Ballet is woman,” and nowhere was that more evident than on Wednesday, October 9th, at the New York City Ballet’s (NYCB) fall fashion gala at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center with cocktails beginning at 5:30 PM.

The all-women choreographed evening, along with the hundreds of women in attendance, was a subtle ode to Balanchine, whose effusive love of women led him to marry four of his dancers while romancing dozens more.

Kitty Mason, Gilles Mendel, photo by LIeba Nesis

The evening was eagerly awaited for its opening of the ballet season and the excitement surrounding the costume choices by renowned designers, including Zac Posen and Gilles Mendel, this year. However, the dancing and costumes, unfortunately, did not meet the high expectations. Despite this, the crowd was extraordinary, a true reflection of the unmatched diversity of the New York social scene.

Brooke Shields, Jaimie Alexander, photo by Lieba Nesis

Celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy Cohen, Nina Dobrev, Brooke Shields, Jaimie Alexander, Huma Abedin, Georgina Bloomberg, Jean Shafiroff, Justin Theroux, Dianna Agron, Laverne Cox, and Nicole Ari Parker gathered at the outdoor cocktail promenade as a lengthy line for the red carpet awaited.

Jean Shafiroff wearing a gown by Ese Azenabor, photo by Lieba Nesis

The brainchild of fashion icon Sarah Jessica, who conceived melding fashion and ballet in 2012 and was herself dressed in a resplendent Oscar gown for the occasion, this evening has featured the greats, including Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Virgil Abloh, Iris van Herpen, Dries van Noten, and Carolina Herrera.

Liz Peek, Ali and Monica Wambold, Jeff Peek, photo by Lieba Nesis

The evening began with an introduction by Board of Directors chair Diana Taylor and Executive Director of NYCB Katherine Brown. It was announced that the evening had raised $3.2 million, with a cumulative total since the Fall Fashion conception of $34 million.

Diana Redruello, Roberto Cardenas, Barbora Vrablova, photo by Lieba Nesis

A brief film provided a background for the inspiration behind the pieces of the evening’s three women choreographers; Gianna Reisen, Caili Quan, and Tiler Peck. The opening piece, “Signs” by Gianna Reisen, was a chance for Reisen to show her prowess in nurturing the younger generation.

Rushka Bergman, Christina Kruse, photo by Lieba Nesis

Clad in plain blue leotards designed by Marc Happel, who had a staff of 17 assisting, the attire’s simplicity was a head-scratcher. It was a disappointing choice for a ballet premiering fashion, leaving many wondering why designs more suited for a class rehearsal were chosen for such a grand event.

Photo by Lieba Nesis

This ballet, which first premiered at the School of American Ballet Workshop in 2022, was well done, with expertly crafted partnering and well-executed steps. However, once again, it was not gala-worthy. Perhaps they were building up to Act 2, where choreographer Caili Quan joined designer Gilles Mendel for the World Premiere of “Beneath the Tides.”

Amanda Tabet, Oona Zlamany, photo by Lieba Nesis

The ballet was well danced by Tiler Peck (who served in dual capacities as dancer and choreographer for the evening), Gilbert Bolden, Sara Mearns, and Aaron Sanz, but there was a noticeable absence of a ‘wow factor. ‘ The costumes by Mendel were the best of the evening, with flowy midi-dresses for the ladies and sexy chest-baring corseted ensembles for the men that showcased their ‘pecs to perfection’ without being exploitative.

A creative guest accessorized his Issey Miyake outfit with New York Yankee slides, photo by Marilyn Kirschner

As a fortunate spectator in 2015, when Peter Copping for Oscar de la Renta dressed dancers in voluminous ball gowns that left attendees stunned, this evening’s costumes did not suffice. There was a palpable longing for the days of excess and abandon, as I eagerly awaited the third act, where Zac Posen would join Tiler Peck for her ‘Concerto for Two Pianos. ‘

Fern Clausius, Abigail Simon, Shoko Tamai, photo by LIeba Nesis

Posen is renowned for his statement-making red carpet dresses, including Claire Danes’s light-up ball gown at the Met Gala 2016 that had the entire world buzzing. Known for his intricate craftsmanship and over-the-top designs, his appointment as Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy and Creative Director of Gap in May 2024 was a surprise.

Dianna Agron, Jeremy O Harris, Jordan Roth, photo by LIeba Nesis

Maybe this was Posen’s way of showing his reformation away from red carpet fare to more practical everyday attire, and yet there was a palpable sense of audience disappointment. Posen was the only designer I didn’t see on stage with the dancers at the end of Peck’s ensemble—perhaps he, too, was disappointed with the end product.

As I exited the audience, I heard Sarah Jessica Parker refusing a photo, ‘I have never in my life taken a selfie with a fan,’ she remarked – how very “Sex and the New York City.” – Lieba Nesis

As guests who paid $3,000 per ticket headed to the second floor for dinner, there was a massive line at the bathroom due to the recent decision to cut intermissions from gala evenings. This change, unfortunately, diminished the opportunity for the audience to fraternize with the glitterati, a once cherished highlight of the evening.

Latest Comments:

1. 

   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

The post New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala 2024 appeared first on lookonline.

Roger and Patricia Silverstein, photos by Lieba Nesis

On Tuesday, September 24, the New York Philharmonic held its annual Gala at David Geffen Hall. Cocktails were served at 6 PM, and the performance was at 7 PM. Philanthropists Klara and Larry Silverstein, longtime orchestra friends, were honored for their lifelong devotion to classical music during their 67-year marriage.

Jon Marder, Barbara Tober, Larissa Saveliev and William Ivey Long

Co-chairs Karen and Richard Lefrak, Joan and Joel Picket, and Didi and Oscar Schafer, along with a distinguished guest list, made this a truly one-of-a-kind evening. Grammy, Emmy, and Tony award winner Cynthia Erivo was scheduled to join conductor Manfred Honeck, but she was an unfortunate no-show.

Josh Groban

However, the equally talented vocalist Josh Groban stepped in and captivated the audience with his renditions of ‘The Impossible Dream’ and ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow.’

Alec & Hilaria Baldwin

The Gala opening featured conductor Manfred Honeck leading the “Overture to Light Cavalry” by Franz von Suppe, a piece that has been a favorite of the New York Philharmonic since the turn of the 20th century. This overture from Suppe’s 1866 operetta is lively and spirited, setting the tone for the evening’s performance.

Somers Farkas & Margo Nederlander

This piece is from Suppe’s 1866 operetta involving romantic entanglements and mistaken identities. Its jaunty gallop has become a go-to in movies, television programs, and cartoons. Guest conductor Honeck has entered the 17th season as music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Born in Austria, he has established himself as one of the world’s best with revelatory interpretations that have earned him international acclaim.

R Couri Hay & Larissa Saveliev

The concluding piece, Puccini’s “Turandot Suite,” was the highlight of the evening. The notable achievement of the recently completed Geffen Hall (2022) is its marvelous acoustics. These acoustics, a result of the hall’s innovative design and state-of-the-art sound technology, allow those in the back to hear virtually identically to those up front.

Click the picture above to make a free RSVP to attend the book report.

As Puccini’s last opera, the piece’s clarity electrified the crowd. Set in China, the story follows Princess Turandot, whose reluctance to marry results in death for most of her suitors until she succumbs to the charms of Prince Calaf.

Noel Lateef & Daisy Soros

The purely instrumental suite created by Honeck was sheer delight, as the up-and-down crescendos produced a spellbinding dramatic climax. After a one-hour and a quarter performance, sans intermission, guests stayed on the second floor of Geffen Hall for an elaborate dinner.

Dinner time

The dinner, catered by a renowned chef, featured a variety of gourmet dishes and fine wines, providing a perfect end to a spectacular evening of music and culture. The cultural extravaganza season is just starting, as New York remains the epicenter of artistic revelry.

Latest Comments

1. 

   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

6. 

   Hi, I am looking to relaunch my website, with an interactive plateform. Can you recommend someone with the creative and…

7. 

   This is all very sad considering what Klein and Schwartz built and what Costa did to advance the history of…

8. 

   A collection of Random Disasters that disgraces what was Calvin Klein !

The post New York Philharmonic Gala Opens At Geffen Hall appeared first on lookonline.

Kendall Jenner, Photo Lieba Nesis

The invitation to Alaia’s Winter Spring 2025 collection at the Guggenheim Museum, presented at 8:30 PM on Friday, September 6th, ignited a palpable sense of anticipation. Guests eagerly awaited the show, knowing that ‘Alaia’s curves echo the museum’s spiraled architecture, as the Museum embodies the connection Alaia has woven between fashion and culture since its inception.’

Alaia Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear Photo Courtesy of Alaia

Belgian Creative Director of Maison Azzedine Alaia, Pieter Mulier, has headed the brand since February 2021 to mixed reviews, as many feel he needs to fill the shoes of the venerated Azzedine adequately. Mulier has already exceeded the shelf life of most creative directors, which is now about as long as a Taylor Swift romance – 2 to 3 years.

Alaia Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear, Photo by Lieba Nesis

After studying architecture at the Brussels Institute Saint-Luc, Mulier teamed up with the legendary Raf Simons at Jil Sander in 2006, Dior in 2012, and finally at Calvin Klein for less than two years after his debut along with Simons at a much-heralded 2017 Autumn/Winter season. Mulier showed his first collection in Paris for Spring/Summer 2022 and received mostly positive reviews without revolutionary reformations.

Alaia Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear, Photo Courtesy of Alaia

Filling the boots of Tunisian-born couturier and shoe designer Azzedine Alaia, who died at 82 in November 2017, is no easy task as he is considered one of the great artisans of the 20th century. He is renowned for his deft tailoring, curve-accenting seaming, leather mastery, corselets, bust wiring, and mesh ballet flats.

Alaia Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear, Photo Courtesy of Alaia

Who doesn’t love a perfectly fitted $8,000 Alaia dress whose hem appears suspended in air, with undulating peplums and unforgiving snugness? Alaia’s tiny five-foot-two stature belied his epic fashion presence, as muses Naomi Campbell, Tina Turner, Grace Jones, and Stephanie Seymour remained his most fervent admirers.

Alaia Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear, Photo Lieba Nesis

Despite partnering with the Prada group in 2000, Alaia never succumbed to the marketing-driven fashion world. He preferred to focus on discrete luxury in clothing instead of producing the “it-bag” or perfume, where the big-time money resides. Revered for his independence and spotlight-shunning persona, Alaia remains one of fashion’s heroes ensuring his coveted designs maintain top-shelf prices, as a simple white T-shirt easily retails for $1,000.

Alaia Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear, Photo Courtesy of Alaia

As the ‘King of Cling,’ a title he earned for his form-fitting designs, Alaia’s first runway show in 1982 at Bergdorf Goodman marked the beginning of his fashion legacy. He returned to America in 1985 and subsequently chose to remain off the fashion calendar, focusing on his craft and unique design philosophy.

Alaia Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear, Photo Lieba Nesis

This show was the first fashion collection presented at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum. Housing modern and contemporary art, the Guggenheim’s spiraled architecture echoes Alaia’s curves, making it a perfect venue for his designs. Movie and television cameras were set up at 5:30 PM as dozens of guards donning Alaia’s favorite color, black, guarded the front gates.

Alaia Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear, Photo by Lieba Nesis

In typical prompt Anna Wintour style, the doyenne of fashion arrived through a secret entrance at 8:10 PM as the unstoppable 74-year-old continued her unchallenged dominance over the fashion industry. And so the luminous crowd arrived as those from the old guard included: Naomi Campbell, Carine Roitfeld, Stephanie Seymour, Amber Valletta, Linda Evangelista, Liya Kebede, Suzy Menkes, Linda Fargo, Tony Shafrazi, Edward Enninful, Law Roach, Liv Tyler, Stefano Tonchi, Andrew Bolton, Jessica Wang, Inez and Vinoodh, and Proenza Schouler.

As the room heated up and the crowd grew more restless, the show was delayed. At 9:10 PM, a strange hush materialized, adding a sense of suspense and anticipation to the already charged atmosphere.

Rihanna, Alaia Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear – original photo by The New York Times

As Rihanna exited her car in a mesh crystal see-through Alaia gown that looked like she stepped out of bed with her entire duvet set on her shoulders, the crowd began to regain its composure as she took to her seat right after she greeted an unimpressed Linda Evangelista.

At 9:15 PM, it was time to get down to business. Excited attendees whipped out their phones despite being warned that doing so would result in imminent removal. As guests, including Rihanna, strained their necks to glimpse models Kendall Jenner and Vittoria Ceretti making their way down the uppermost ramp, it became clear that something special was in store.

Alaia Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear, Photo Courtesy Alaia

While no new or original fashion milestones were crossed, the collection showcased Alaia’s unique design elements. The simple bandeaus in beige and black, the low-slung miniskirts and harem pants, the robe-like coats that effortlessly hung, and the crisp white dresses were all a testament to Alaia’s creativity and innovation.

Hooded dresses, fringe-coiled frocks, and padded chubby down coats in black and white reflecting the swirls of the Museum all added a touch of frivolity to the pared-down collection. The piece de resistance was the curved open goddess gowns constructed without noticeable straps, buttons, zippers, or hooks-a miracle of modern technology. One in white mirrored the simplicity of the Guggenheim.

After the much-awaited twelve-minute show, models painstakingly made their way up the endless rampway. A usually jaded New York crowd was electrified, hollering with approval as Mulier briefly sashayed down the runway – he had done the Guggenheim and New York justice and knew it.

Latest Comments:

1. 

   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

6. 

   Hi, I am looking to relaunch my website, with an interactive plateform. Can you recommend someone with the creative and…

7. 

   This is all very sad considering what Klein and Schwartz built and what Costa did to advance the history of…

8. 

   A collection of Random Disasters that disgraces what was Calvin Klein !

The post Alaia & The Guggenheim Museum’s Magical Fashion Collaboration appeared first on lookonline.

Southampton Arts Center benefit – photos by Lieba Nesis

The Hamptons continues its winning streak with twelve events every weekend and celebrities galore packing restaurants and nightclubs such as Ketchy Shuby, Common Ground, and The Surf Lodge. Thursday night, the festivities began with Amy and Gary Green’s Second annual “Footprint of Life Gala,” held at their palatial Bridgehampton home.

Cristina Cuomo and Consuelo Vanderbilt at Footprint of Life Gala

The evening saluted The Green Vision Foundation, which aims to effectuate tangible change in conservation while tackling the most pressing environmental problems. More than 300 notables, including Cristina Cuomo, Charlie Walk, Jared Epstein, Jean Shafiroff, Rebecca Seawright, Maria Fishel, Consuelo Vanderbilt, and Julia Haart, paid $1,500 a ticket for a wildly entertaining evening.

Cristina Cuomo and Norah Lawlor at Footprint of Life Gala

Safeguarding nature was the theme as publicity guru Norah Lawlor monitored the red carpet and the Greens’ palatial Hamptons home, which contained stuffed giraffes, tennis courts, and a lavish pool. The highlight was three-time Grammy award winner Ludacris performing over a dozen hits as guests danced and took photos with abandon.

At 10:30 PM, guests headed to the afterparty a few steps away as DJs, drinks, and pizza kept the crowd occupied until 2 AM. Tim Waltz also waltzed through the Hamptons Thursday night at a $150,000 per head fundraiser containing the likes of Joy Behar and Chris Rock at the home of Slack CEO Stuart Butterfield. Mumford & Sons provided third-rate entertainment as even lower-rate food, such as lobster rolls and chicken sammies, greeted starving Democrats.

Jean Shafiroff and Rebecca Seawright celebrating Jean’s Social Life magazine cover – photo by Rob Rich

Saturday was another celebrity-packed day. Musician Jelly Roll gave a private concert at Stephen Talkhouse Amagansett for Jimmy Fallon, Bradley Cooper, Howard Stern, and Jon Hamm. Jelly Roll had loads of competition, as Jean Shafiroff held a house party celebrating her cover of Social Life magazine.

In contrast, Maria and Ken Fishel held a shindig for the Haiti Air Ambulance featuring guest speakers Pat Dolan and renowned author Mitch Albom. The Fishels and Shafiroffs continue to dominate Hampton’s social season with glamorous attire and generous donations as they host cocktail parties, dinners, and VIP soirees.

My Friday and Saturday were occupied hosting the heroic Shabbos Kestenbaum, the sole named plaintiff suing Harvard for antisemitism, who gathered a packed house at esteemed Rabbi Rafe Konikov’s Southampton Chabad. Kestenbaum’s graphic detailing of the harassment and death threats he received at Harvard with zero action from the university left attendees disgusted and dismayed.

Dr. Christina Rahm and Amy Green at Footprint of Life Gala

Next, Southampton Arts Center’s annual Summerfest honoring Jamee and Peter Gregory at 25 Jobs Lane was a must. With food from Hampton’s staples Bamboo, Clamman, and Golden Pear, along with entertainment from Adrienne Warren and Jessica Vosk, well-heeled Hamptonites danced the night away under the starry skies.

Sponsored by Bulgari, Balmain, and Bloomberg, this $1,000 per-person evening always gathers the who’s who of the South Fork to support the Arts Center, which hosts exhibitions, lectures, and films throughout the year.

R Couri Hay and Janna Bullock at Southampton Arts Center Benefit

As summer comes to a close, a few additions have made this season more enjoyable than in the past. The number one improvement for me has been the extended hours of Citarella, from the previous three COVID-ridden years of 7 PM to the current more reasonable hour of 9 PM, allowing hungry Hamptonites to grab that pivotal sushi roll and coffee after nightfall.

Karen Murray, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Pamela Morgan, Nicole Salmasi and Robin Leacock at Southampton Arts Center Benefit

Moreover, dozens of new restaurants, stores, and skin and beauty spas have appeared, including Barryville General Southampton, Uno Mas Tacos Southampton, Buddha Berry Southampton, Blue Water Spa, and SkinSpirit Southampton, leading me to believe all Hamptonites spend money on food and beauty.

Bradford Rand, Charlie Walk, Julia Haart and Elena Gibbs at Footprint of Life Gala

Sunday concluded a busy yet meaningful weekend with Sag Harbor’s Center for Jewish Life benefit joining chairs Ken and Maria Fishel and Ruth Miller, and Jacques Acoca to salute honorees Jean Shafiroff, Harley Lippman, and Joel Mesler at the palatial home of Jared and Mindy Epstein.

As the rain poured down, the sturdy tent kept the glitterati dry as guests heard from Nova survivor Avi Medina, singer Yoel Sharabi and Rabbi Berel Lerman. The upcoming Hamptons finale weekends include the Polo classic and the Prostate Foundation Gala – an unfortunate ending to an epic Hamptons party season

Latest Comments:

1. 

   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

6. 

   Hi, I am looking to relaunch my website, with an interactive plateform. Can you recommend someone with the creative and…

7. 

   This is all very sad considering what Klein and Schwartz built and what Costa did to advance the history of…

The post Hamptons Parties Soar In Final Stretch appeared first on lookonline.

Vicki Schneps – All photos by Lieba Nesis

Those who skipped the Hamptons August 9-11 due to the supposed inclement weather missed out on a superb and primarily dry weekend. The Hamptons have a minimum of ten events a weekend as hotels are scarce and restaurants Bilboquet, Tutto Il Giorno, and Sant Ambroeus remain overbooked.

Dan’s Paper gala at the Muses in Southampton

Thursday night, August 8th, Dan’s Papers held its annual “Power Women of the East End” Event at The Muses in Southampton. Produced by Schneps Media, which is run by “powerhouse” Vicki Schneps, who owns over 90 media outlets, one hundred percent of the proceeds went towards the Southampton Day Care Center.

Honorees included 30 esteemed professionals from the fields of media, the arts, and real estate, showcasing the diverse and inclusive nature of the Hamptons community.

Bradford Rand, Ken and Maria Fishel at Hamptons Concours

The Fishels and Shafiroffs have once again conquered the Hamptons social season with soirée after soirée. They make dozens of magazine appearances, looking impeccably coiffed, while graciously opening their homes and hearts week after week to entertain the masses.

Jean Shafiroff luncheon Lieba Nesis, Ruth Miller, Meg McCartney, Lauren Roberts, Rick Rose, Maria Fishel, Mar Morosse, Louise Braver, Rebecca Seawright

Jean held a luncheon at the Bath and Tennis Club in Southampton on Friday with 15 of her closest friends, and then many of them headed to the “NYC Second Chance Animal Rescue Concert for a Cause” held at Common Ground East Hampton.

Patrick Verdonck, Dr. Lara Devgan, Devorah Rose, David Krieger at Second Chance Animal Rescue

Honoree Alexa Ray Joel—daughter of Christie and Billy—joined over one hundred others to dance, drink, and listen to Fat Joe and DJ Dimatteo entertain the pumped-up crowd. Publicity guru Norah Lawlor has taken over the Hamptons party season this summer with her expertise and hard work.

Jean Shafiroff POWER 30 event where she received the “International Philanthropist of the Year Award”

Norah maintained tight control over the red carpet, ensuring enthusiastic photographers represented a broad cross-section. Actress Alexandra Daddario, Lisa Blanco, Jean Shafiroff, and dozens of others showed their adorable pets to the animal-loving masses.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some juicy Hamptons gossip, including the report that 68-year-old John Paulson was suing his landlords at 1710 Meadow Lane for his $400,000 a month rent due to the estate being infested with rodents and excrement. And real estate mogul Ben Ashkenazy recently listed his 76-acre equestrian Water Mill estate for $125 million – New York’s most expensive coastal vacation listing.

The Hamptons are a mecca for animal lovers, art enthusiasts, and political fundraisers. Two weeks ago, Donald Trump took over; this weekend, Democrats Kamala Harris, Andrew Cuomo, and Kathy Hochul passed through as mega billionaires raised mega bucks.

Second Chance Animal Rescue at Common Ground

“Author’s Night East Hampton,” one of my favorite events of the summer, gathered over six hundred attendees to Herrick Park Field at 5 p.m. Saturday, including Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, to celebrate 100 authors who make the world a more erudite place, including Mary McCartney, Julia Phillips, Taylor Barton, Stan Herman, Zibby Owens, and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Lang Lang Concert

Saturday evening was just as crammed with the ‘Holiday House Hamptons Designer Showhouse White Party’ in Bridgehampton and ‘The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Hamptons Garden Gala’ in Water Mill. At the White Party, guests enjoyed a night of elegant design and entertainment, all in support of the Holiday House charity.

Patricia and Roger Silverstein

Meanwhile, the Garden Gala was a lively affair, with co-chairs Patricia and Roger Silverstein hosting the event at their magnificent house. This 70’s themed party was all about having fun while raising funds for the Silverstein Dream Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to groundbreaking research for the Diabetes Research Institute and National Jewish Health.

Sharon Chera, Sean Williams, Danielle Dannenfelser, Khaled Nasseri and Zain

While in past years, Hampton’s partying would mostly conclude on Saturday night, Sunday has become even busier as Bradford Rand and his team at Rand Luxury, whose event was rescheduled from Saturday, held their annual “Hamptons Concours Showcase” benefiting the “Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation” at the estate of Maria and Ken Fishel from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Rand Luxury Car Event

600 Porsche and Ferrari lovers gathered to ogle over 200 luxury cars, one of which was a 1950s Carroll Shelby Corvette priced at over $10 million. They ate delicious pasta and burgers while bidding on trips and dinners. After three days of nonstop social and visual stimulation, my weekend concluded with the perfect antidote—a “Lang Lang Foundation Concert” at the palatial Watermill home of billionaire Chris Burch.

Lukas Barwinski and Alexander Liu at Lang Lang Foundation Event

The clear, glimmering sky, along with the spellbinding piano playing of 13-year-old prodigy Alexander Liu and 21-year-old Eden Chen, was part of the cultural world the Hamptons embraced during its three-month hegemony.

Latest Comments:

1. 

   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

6. 

   Hi, I am looking to relaunch my website, with an interactive plateform. Can you recommend someone with the creative and…

7. 

   This is all very sad considering what Klein and Schwartz built and what Costa did to advance the history of…

8. 

   A collection of Random Disasters that disgraces what was Calvin Klein !

9. 

   as always, Marilyn is right on time ….. terrific piece ….. and thank you for the inspiring photos of deRibes,…

10. 

    Our comments section is back online again! We would love to hear from you.

11. 

    Iris Apfel’s 100th birthday looked like the ultimate celebration—so iconic!

The post August Is Gala Season In The Hamptons appeared first on lookonline.